Toronto Zoo to send elephants to California reserve

The Toronto Zoo board has directed its staff to prepare to transfer the city’s three aging elephants to a sanctuary in California by April 30, 2012.

In setting the target date, the board also affirmed a controversial decision by city council to send Toka, Thika and Iringa to the San Andreas facility, instead of an accredited zoo as the board had previously decided, during a tense meeting on Thursday.

Board members expressed their frustration at having the decision made for them, while animal welfare activists accused officials of dragging their heels, at one point yelling “do your job.” In the audience were some of the elephant zoo keepers, who have publicly criticized council for jumping in.

Related

Following the decision, Zoo CEO John Tracogna said he hopes the spring timeline is realistic.

“This is uncharted waters for both organizations,” said Mr. Tracogna. “We’ll mutually work towards that deadline and if there needs to be some changes we’ll mutually decide what those changes are and adjust accordingly.”

Earlier this year, the zoo determined it could no longer afford to properly care for the animals. The board directed staff to first try to find them a home in a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums before looking at a sanctuary, despite loud opposition from residents and activists who maintained that a sanctuary, which is not accredited, was the better option.

Five months later, with no recommendation on the table, and fearing that the animals were destined for a facility in a cold climate and with cramped quarters, Councillor Michelle Berardinetti won the support of most of city council to overrule the board. It voted to send the animals to PAWS, the California facility that has 80 acres for them to roam. Now it’s known that staff were in preliminary discussions with The National Elephant Centre, a 225-acre Florida facility that has yet to break ground.

Councillor Mark Grimes, a member of the zoo board, said it’s all “water under the bridge,” and it’s up to Toronto officials to come up with a plan that ensures the animals safe passage.

The board has asked for semi-annual reports from PAWS on their status and health.

City council’s decision has also raised a governance question at the zoo. Officials for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums raised serious concerns about the way that city council usurped the board’s decision, and said it may put the facility’s accreditation in jeopardy.
National Post• Email: nalcoba@nationalpost.com | Twitter: NPHallMonitor